And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23, NIV.
Rules are rules, and the law is the law! When we do not follow the rules or we break the law, consequences follow. Usually, the consequences are punitive and painful. Knowledge of this fact is personal because of the times, yes, I said “times,” when I have received a ticket for going over the speed limit in my car. Fortunately, these experiences have only hurt my pocketbook and my pride. The more severe the infraction, the more serious is the repercussion.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is O Holy Night. As a singer, I have sung the words “His law is love, and His gospel is peace.” many, many times and have experienced the goosebumps brought on by the beautiful music. How is it that only now does this phrase sound so profound and cut deeply within my core? Perhaps it is because I have never focused on the words before and the idea of love being considered “the law” seems a bit unusual. The word “love” appears 558 times in the New International Version of the Bible. It is significant, and God says love “is his command.” The first command to love is rooted in our love for Him. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV. The second command is to love each other. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8, NIV.
Wouldn’t it be great if loving others were always easy? The prickly neighbor who has only complaints; the family member who insists on having their way; the co-worker who takes advantage of your kindness by leaving the office early, knowing you will take care of things. These are, but a few examples of when loving others can be a challenge. I’m sure you can think of others that are more personal.
How important is love? “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2, NIV. If God had limited His love to only those who were worthy of such, no one, not even one of us could qualify. And, this is the same love He expects you and me to show to each other. It is not about being easy or being deserved. The reason love is important is because it originated with God. Love is His command!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV.
Thank You, dear God, for Jesus. Instill in me this day Your love so that I might love others. AMEN.
P.S. How many times does the word love or some form of it appear in this writing? Now, before the end of today, see if you can match the number in practice.
Sweet Sherry Sharp